Optimizing Multiple Quality Characteristics of Stereolithography Process via Taguchi Method-based Grey Analysis for SL5530 Epoxy Resin Material to Enhance Part Quality☆

Abstract This paper demonstrates the optimizing the process of multiple quality characteristics for Stereolithography (SLA) process of SL5530 epoxy material via the Taguchi method-based grey analysis. The modified algorithm adopted here was successfully used for both detraining the optimum settings of machine parameters and for combining multiple quality characteristics into one integrated numerical value called Grey relational grade. Multiple quality characteristics required include: (1) Tensile strength and (2) Crystallographic orientation -Density analysis following SLA process. The work aims at prototyping the parts under controlled machine parameter setting and measures the above quality characteristics. An attempt has been made to identify the process parameters that influence on the strength of parts used for rapid tooling and optimize the parameter levels by using Taguchi based gray relational analysis. The optimum levels of the parameter contributing to higher tensile strength of the part and density of the prototype are the end results of the paper, which is very useful information for machine designers as well as RP machine users.